Post by CALET member Andrew Moore:

Day 1 in India exceeded my expectations in many ways as we made our way by bus form New Delhi to Agra to visit Fatehpur Sikri. The ride took us through many miles of farmland where cows, goats, and camels captured our view intermixed with traffic, honking horns, and vibrantly colored sarees draped on the women riding on the back of countless motorcycles. The smog was thick making the the sunrise and sunset both glow and beautiful reminding me of a Denver inversion, only 100 times more intense.

The people are beyond friendly and those that work tourists for Rupees are cunning and

friendly. My empathy for those on the streets working to make a dime arose to levels I’ve not felt before. I knew giving any money to one would only invite more, but I gave all my American coin to 3-4 boys creating a larger group looking for more. Another worked a colleague until she was comfortable getting 4 bracelets for less than a 1/4 of the initial price.

Fatehpur Sikri was stunning as a 16th century Imperial complex. The city was sprawling giving us a glimpse into a time past with stray dogs, parakeets, and locals sharing our

space. This one picture does not come close to expressing this wonderful glimpse to the past.

My eyes were wide open as I experienced the day – a day like no other I’ve lived. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to day 2 at the Taj Mahal.